Finding aid encoded by Edith Serkownek using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2008

Origination:

Kent State University Semicentennial Committee

Extent:

4.15 cubic feet (8 boxes)

Physical Location:

11th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0063

Abstract:

This collection documents the celebration of Kent State University's Semicentennial in 1959-1960. It includes some of the working documents of the Semicentennial Committee, photographs, press releases, periodical clippings, KSU publications and souvenirs produced for the Semicentennial.

Language(s):

The records are in English

History of Kent State University Semicentennial

Kent State University celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 1959-1960 academic year. In order to prepare and promote the events and activities surrounding the anniversary, President George Bowman appointed a Semicentennial Committee in 1956. The committee, chaired by School of Journalism Head, Professor William Taylor, prepared a series of reports that outlined themes, symbols and a calendar of events for the year. Official souvenirs were created for the celebration including a medallion, a plate, an album of Kent State songs called Kent's Golden Year, and the publication of Phillip R. Shriver's KSU history, The Years of Youth. Semicentennial events throughout the year were documented through official photographs and KSU's Public Affairs Office sent out regular press releases and collected examples of press coverage.

Scope and Content

This collection documents the celebration of Kent State University's Semicentennial during the academic year 1959-1960. It includes some of the working documents of the Semicentennial Committee (1956-1961) including memorandum, correspondence and meeting minutes as well as the committee's official reports submitted to President George Bowman. The collection includes examples of invitations and programs created for Semicentennial events as well as general KSU publications bearing the Semicentennial logo, official photographs, press releases, clippings and periodicals. This collection also includes a number of souvenir and keepsake items created for the event.

Statement of Arrangement

The Kent State University Semicentennial collection is divided into the following series and subseries:

Kent State Univeristy Semicentennial collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

This collection was compiled by the KSU Department of Special Collections and Archives from various sources, primarily the Kent State University Semicentennial Committee. The bulk of the photographs series was originally part of the Kent State University School of Journalism Short Course in News Photography records.

Subject HeadingsThe following subjects are found in this collection:

Persons:

Bowman, George A.

Shriver, Phillip R. (Phillip Raymond), 1922-

Taylor, William D., 1903-1975

Organizations/Corporations:

Kent State University--History

Kent State University--Centennial celebrations, etc.

Kent State University. Semicentennial Committee

Places:

Kent (Ohio)--History

Occupations:

College administrators

College teachers

Material Types:

Souvenirs

Press releases

Photographs

News photographs

Photograph albums

Detailed Description of The Collection

Series 1: Semicentennial Committee Reports and Working Documents, 1956-1961

Scope and Content

Working documents include memorandum, correspondence and meeting minutes.

Box 1 / Folder 1

Report: [First] A Progress Report to the President of the University on the Semicentennial in 1959-1960 by the Semicentennial Committee, July 20, 1957

Box 1 / Folder 2

Report: A Second Progress Report to the President of the University on the Semicentennial in 1959-1960 by the Semicentennial Committee, August 6, 1958

Box 1 / Folder 3

Report: The Third and Final Report to the President of the University on the Semicentennial in 1959-1960 by the Semicentennial Committee, July 15, 1959

Box 1 / Folder 4

Report: The Kent State University Semicentennial 1959-1960: The Story of Its Planning and Completion by the Semicenntenial Committee, January 15, 1961

Box 1 / Folder 5

Semicentennial Committee working documents, 1956-1957

Box 1 / Folder 6

Semicentennial Committee working documents, 1958

Box 1 / Folder 7

Semicentennial Committee working documents, 1959

Box 1 / Folder 8

Semicentennial Committee working documents, 1960 and undated

Box 1 / Folder 9

Sheet music and correspondence: These are Thy Glorious Works by Richard Warner with accompanying correspondence from Richard Warner to William Taylor, March 14 [1959?] and November 13, 1959

Semicentennial Commemorative Plates working file, including sketches of Rockwell Hall, Merill Hall and the Administration Building signed by Alan Price; full scale plate mock-ups and backstamp copy for the plates., [1959]

Phone

Street Address

Mailing Address

Email

As a top Ohio undergraduate and graduate school, Kent State's eight campuses offer the resources of a large university with the friendly atmosphere of a liberal arts college. Enroll today to start pursuing your future at one of the best colleges in Ohio. We’ve been educating graduates for over 100 years; join us today.